My first real experience with Goodyear brand tires was with the set that came on my 1996 VW GTI VR6. That car was quick, so quick in fact the tires couldn't keep up.
So when I was charged by the ec editors to test out a set Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric tires, I was a bit hesitant. Would history repeat itself?
After strapping them to my '06 Audi A3 2.0T FWD DSG, the Goodyear and I made up like a pair of newlyweds after their first fight. Goodyear's fancy names like Active Cornergrip Technology and Racing Compound Technology really do translate to the road. I felt like I could take a corner 20 mph faster and stop several feet shorter. On the freeway they are quiet and comfy, even at high speeds. And before Bidrawn demanded my review, I even got to experience the Eagle F1 Asymmetric's outstanding ability to handle one of California's rare el Niño-incited rainstorms.
Notable features include:
• Active Cornergrip Technology incorporates a layer of Aramid, a strong synthetic heat-resistant fiber reinforcement into the inner side wall that helps equalize pressure, which aids in maintaining a more even contact patch and increasing grip during cornering.
• Asymmetric outer tread zones incorporating wide solid outboard shoulder blocks to enhance cornering, and a continuous center rib for high speed stability.
• Asymmetric water-channeling inner tread utilizing wide circumferential grooves with an open inboard tread pattern to disperse water.
• Advanced Racing Compound Technology combining carbon black for dry traction, silica for wet traction, and a new generation of polymers to enhance tread stiffness.
• Internal construction including two steel belts reinforced with three layers of spirally wrapped polyamide cord to increase stability and high-speed performance.
• An all-important rim protector bead to help reduce the risk of wheel damage.
Treadwear: 240 Traction: AA Temperature: A
Goodyear has come a long way since 1996. This set of F1s will be living on my
car for quite a while.--Anthony Gelinas